I really laugh at the thought of the Americans needing so much help, but Canada was only 1 or 2 guys away. How many goals did Canada score in the last 3 games?? They looked like crap. All I read about was how they could have picked 2 teams with all the talent they had, well they should have went with team number 2.
The American squad played very good. They absolutely outplayed Russia, if Robert Esche could have stopped a beach ball, we would have won 4-1. They played solid against Finland, and again gave up some softies, but we were on par in that game too. This team wasnt as far off as some of you suggest. They lost by one goal in their losses, never getting beat the way they did in Nagano.
I am not saying they were gold medal material, but they definitely were medal material. This team still had talent which didnt show up. Tkachuk, Guerin and Modano I think missed their plane to make it to Torino. Very pleased with our younger guys Cole, Gionta, Liles, and Dipietro who played pretty dang solid.
I agree with the post of Leetch over Rafalski, that made zero sense picking Rafalski. The other changes I would have made would have been these few ones:
Dustin Brown- he would have been sensational out there. They wanted to bring youth aboard, well... This kids physical play would have helped so much him and Cole could have been wrecking balls out there. Should have had the experience for future events. Would have not picked Jason Blake.
Ryan Miller- no need to explain here. Dipietro did great, just would have felt better having an actual top 5 goalie in the league defending our net. Would not have picked John Grahame.
Keith Ballard- Why was he not picked? Hedican??? Come on.. This kid is a blue-chip stud who would have shinned with his physical play on a weaker blueline. Hatcher was the only real physical force out there. Chelios did great,but this kid would have made so much more sense. Would not have picked Brett Hedican.
Paul Mara- Great offensive skills, physical blueliner with speed and size..... Why was he not here? I love Leopold, I think Jordan will be a future star, but he is having a down year and I would have picked the guy actually having a great year.
Would not have picked either Leopold or Rafalski
J.R.- sad he wasnt here, he is having a down year, but would have loved his leadership and flare. Plus he wears the flag on his sleeve and heart would have given it all for this chance.
I am not saying these guys would have won us a medal, I am saying they would have been better choices for this Olympics plus for our future in international competition. Canada was no better then us and just as far away as we were, open up your eyes, this aint Canadas game no more.
I really think Hockey Canada made a big mistake playing favourites instead of playing the BEST young players like Spezza and Staal. They really did need a pure setup man for all those snipers.
